Repatriation from Australia to Palau

In a straightforward case, repatriation from Australia to Palau takes 2-4 weeks. The fastest cases complete in 10-14 days. Complex cases involving criminal investigation or remote locations can take 4-8 weeks.

The core documents are: death certificate (state or territory Births, Deaths and Marriages registry), embalming certificate, freedom from infection certificate, passport of the deceased, and all required export permits. Death certificates are issued in English. No translation is required for English-speaking destinations. Certified translation may be required for non-English-speaking destinations.

The funeral director in Palau takes custody at the cargo terminal at Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR), near Koror. Death registration is handled by Palau's civil registration authority, with the Palau Police Department investigating non-natural deaths. Palau has been a Hague Apostille Convention member since 17 October 2019 (in force 23 June 2020), which simplifies authentication for documents arriving from other member states. Embalming capacity exists in Koror but is limited in volume. Cremation is not available; full body repatriation is required. All documentation from Australia must be in order before the body is released for the funeral.

Yes. Cremation in Australia is an option in most cases, though local authorities must release the body before cremation can take place. You will need the death certificate, cremation certificate, and an export permit for the ashes. Ashes are simpler to transport than a body and carry lower cargo costs. Ask our team for specific guidance on your case.

Yes, it is recent: Palau acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention on 17 October 2019, with the Convention entering into force there on 23 June 2020. That means documents apostilled in Australia are now recognised in Palau without the older, slower legalisation chain through embassies and foreign ministries.